Sugarcane farmers in Migori County have formally petitioned the national government to settle outstanding arrears totaling Ksh. 185 million.
The petition, delivered today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to the office of the Migori County Commissioner, highlights frustrations over unfulfilled promises to clear these debts by the end of 2025.
Led by Argwengs Adongo, secretary of the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (Sony Branch), farmers expressed concern over the government’s silence despite previous commitments to pay by late 2025.
Federation chairperson John Omollo Odondi noted that the lack of funds has left farmers unable to develop their cane or invest in their farms.
Farmers are calling for the full implementation of the Sugar Act and the proper constitution of the Sugar Board to facilitate access to essential support services, such as agricultural loans.
The petition comes amidst significant unrest in the sugar industry. On February 2, 2026, sugar factory workers suspended a nationwide strike after the government pledged to release Ksh. 1 billion within two weeks to address part of a much larger Ksh. 10.8 billion debt.
This larger debt includes unpaid salaries and terminal benefits for workers at state-owned mills, including Sony Sugar in Migori, as well as Muhoroni, Nzoia, and Chemelil.
By Anthony Solly
